Stimuli-Responsive Dynamic Gold Complexes

The role of noncovalent interactions is reviewed in the context of the stimuli-responsive behaviour of gold(I) and gold-heterometal complexes. These noncovalent interactions are often highly sensitive to physical (thermal, optical, electrical, mechanical, etc.) or chemical (solvents, guests, etc.) stimuli, which trigger alterations in molecular and crystal structures that lead to dynamic changes in the macroscopic properties of gold compounds. In this microreview, we have summarized some representative examples of gold(I) complexes that exhibit intriguing stimuli-responsive properties such as thermochromic, mechanochromic, vapochromic and solvatochromic luminescence, as well as vapochromism and gas sorption. Stimuli-responsive functional materials with specific properties have potential uses in various applications including chemical sensors, memory, data storage, security inks and separation technologies.